FOREWORD
Michael Russell
Aquaculture is an important industry for rural Scotland, in particular the west coast and islands where it is often a mainstay of the community. It has a significant role to play in fish and shellfish production in Europe with real potential for further growth and development. It is however an industry that has had considerable difficulties in recent years. The removal of the Minimum Import Price ( MIP) for farmed salmon is of particular concern and if there was any renewed evidence of dumping, then the Scottish Government would argue tenaciously for the introduction of new anti-dumping measures.
However, if the international industry is now competing on a level playing field, then the prospects for the Scottish industry are good. In that context the Scottish Government endorses a seven point plan brought forward by the salmon industry itself and those points are incorporated in this document. This will be supplemented, it is hoped, by constructive engagement with other Governments in Europe and elsewhere and by a more appropriate regulatory regime which encourages good practice rather than merely forbidding the bad.
Scottish Ministers want an aquaculture industry that is ambitious, thriving, growing, diverse and profitable. But development must be sustainable - economically, socially and culturally - supporting local communities. It must also be environmentally sustainable - operating within the carrying capacity of the environment. The aquaculture industry must act as a good neighbour to all who share the aquatic environment, who, in turn must accept the industry as a responsible member of their community. In essence, we should have profitable aquaculture businesses which make best sustainable use of our aquatic resource and underpin a peopled landscape of Scotland.
To deliver these aspirations Scotland needs a framework in place that is relevant and is flexible to meet the challenges of today and the future. The existing Strategic Framework has enabled good progress but the time is now right to renew it. Things are different since it was first developed, the industry has changed markedly; technology has improved; the regulatory framework has evolved; a consultation on a Scottish Marine Bill has just started; stakeholders are working better together; the environment is changing as a result of climate change and new challenges clearly lie ahead. Demand for fish and shellfish is increasing worldwide and aquaculture has the potential to meet this demand.
There are still major challenges to address such as availability of appropriate sites for finfish and shellfish; difficulties in securing finance - for smaller companies in particular; containment and fish farm escapes; control of sealice and potential development of resistance to medicines; securing markets at home and abroad; and a need to promote the good news story that is Scottish aquaculture. We will work to address these challenges.
This proposed Renewed Strategic Framework sets out the main issues to be tackled - through five key themes of Health; Planning, Consents and Sites; Containment; Markets, Marketing and Image; Finance; and proposes a flexible approach for delivery - through a refocused Ministerial Working Group on Aquaculture - which will steer aquaculture policy and be a prime mover in a wider Aquaculture Forum. We will make the best use of robust and sound science and research and, wherever possible, look to smarter regulation - which is appropriate, proportionate and reasonable. In this way we will have a process to drive forward the sustainable economic growth of the industry which is informed by stakeholders and reviewed to ensure issues remain relevant and current.
Of course, our vision for Scottish aquaculture cannot sit in isolation. The Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture will be embedded in the Scottish Government's Economic Strategy and be informed by the National Food and Drink Policy. It will also respond to the wider marine agenda, such as the developing EU Aquaculture strategy, the new Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the forthcoming Scottish Marine Bill.
Your views on the proposed Renewed Strategic Framework for Scottish Aquaculture are welcomed and I encourage you to respond.
MICHAEL RUSSELL MSP
Minister for Environment